Significance of Maha Nabami

In Bengal the day of Durga Puja Mahanavami or Maha-Navami Puja is not always same as that of other Indian states. When it happens, it is one day after of Mahanavami in other states.

In most of the states in India except Bengal, Mahanavami is observed as per Purva-Viddha rule. According to Purva-Viddha rule if on previous day Navomi Tithi prevails for 3 Muhurata before sunset then Mahanavami Puja and fasting is observed on the previous day. Whenever it happens, Ashtami and Navami Puja including fasting are done on the same day. However this rule applies to Nabami-Puja and to Nabami fasting and doesn’t apply to Nabami Balidan. This rule is clearly mentioned in various religious texts including Dharmasindhu and Nirnayasindhu.

However, in Bengal MahaNabami is observed as per Para-Viddha rule. According to Para-Viddha rule Mahanavami should be observed when it prevails at least for one Muhurata after Sunrise.

In West Bengal, Mahanavami is fourth and final day of Durga Puja.

Durga Pooja on MahaNavaami begins with Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Pooja.

On Maha Nabami Goddess Durga is worshiped as Mahisasuramardini which means the Annihilator of the Buffalo Demon. It is believed that on Maha-Nabami day Durga killed the demon Mahishasura